Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary

The Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Koorachundu and Chakkittapara revenues villages of Koyilandy Taluk in the Kozhikode district of Kerala. More importantly, it is a biodiversity hotspot located in the Western Ghats of India, covering an area of 74.21 square kilometers. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and the Wayanad Elephant Reserve, with eco-tourism potential due to its picturesque dam site, unique climate, and richness of biodiversity.

At a Glance

Ecological Importance of Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary’s catchment area sustains the water and power needs of Kozhikode and Malabar, with Kuttiady River and reservoirs providing drinking water and electricity. The sanctuary has diverse vegetation types, including evergreen and deciduous forests, grasslands, and marshy grasslands, with over 680 species of flowering plants and over 200 species of medicinal plants. The sanctuary is home to 41 species of mammals, 179 species of birds, and 36 species of reptiles, including 6 Western Ghats endemics and the largest venomous snake in the world, the King Cobra. Thirteen of these animals are listed in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972), highlighting the sanctuary’s importance for conservation.

Trekking at Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the highlights of the sanctuary is the Urakkuzhi waterfall, which is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable experience. But be warned, the area surrounding the waterfall is quite marshy and is home to blood-thirsty leeches. So, be careful and take the necessary precautions. Other key attractions of the Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary include the Peruvannamuzhi Dam and Kakkayam Dam and their reservoirs. Visitors can also opt for adventure trekking, and visit the wildlife rehabilitation center, Kariyathumpara and Thonikadavu.

Trekking through the sanctuary’s lush greenery is an adventure you won’t forget. The roads are narrow, making it difficult for four-wheelers to pass through, but a two-wheeler (motorbike or bicycle) is a great way to explore the area. However, it’s important to wear safety gear and make sure you have enough fuel since there are no gas stations nearby.

Plan Your Visit

The sanctuary is a heaven for nature lovers and photographers, especially during the rainy season when the sanctuary is shrouded in fog, providing a beautiful backdrop for visitors. The sanctuary is open from 9:15 AM to 4:15 PM every day of the week. The ideal time to visit the sanctuary is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and the surroundings are filled tickly with lush greenery.

The entry fee for the Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary is INR 40 for adults, INR 20 for children, and INR 60 for foreign nationals. The nearest railway station is Kozhikode (Calicut) railway station which is 66 kilometers away and the closest airport is Calicut International Airport which is located 87 kilometers away. The sanctuary is well connected by road, and visitors can drive or take a bus or taxi to reach the spot.

The Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal destination for anyone interested in experiencing the richness of biodiversity in the Western Ghats, with its diverse vegetation and fauna, picturesque location, and crucial role in sustaining water and power needs.